Gilmore declines opponent's 10-debate offer

HAMILTON -- Mayor Glen D. Gilmore has refused a challenge from his opponent in the mayoral race to hold a series of 10 debates in the coming weeks on issues facing the township.

A spokesman for Gilmore said two debates planned with Republican challenger John Bencivengo are enough to give voters a feel for the issues facing residents.

"We had a debate already this summer, we have a debate scheduled at the end of September and there is another debate sponsored by Citizens for a Better Hamilton coming up," said spokesman Doug Suessegger. "As far as doing 10, the mayor has a town to run."

Citizens for a Better Hamilton has not yet announced if it will sponsor its annual debate. Members of that civic organization have held their debate during the past two council elections.

Bencivengo, who issued the challenge for weekly debates earlier this week, said he was disappointed the mayor doesn't have time to discuss the issues.